Highlights of Costa Rica

Home to lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and an astonishing diversity of wildlife, Costa Rica has long been a leader in conservation and the protection of natural heritage. Experience this gorgeous Central American nation on a fun-filled adventure, taking you from the foot of an active volcano to the misty highlands and Pacific coast. Hear from a researcher at the National Geographic–supported Monteverde Institute, learn the art of tortilla-making with a local family, and seek out the country’s unique creatures—from blue morpho butterflies to howler monkeys—on hikes through the forest.

 

What’s included

  • Accommodation Hotels – 8 nts.
  • Meals Included: 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
  • Transport: Private vehicle, walking, boat.
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment:Tortilla Making and Home Dinner, La Fortuna
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment:Monteverde Institute Lecture, Monteverde
  • Your G for Good Moment:Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour, Sarapiquí
  • Your Discover Moment:La Fortuna.
  • Arrival transfer.
  • Guided nature walk in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.
  • Guided excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park.
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

 

 

 

Fall & Winter 2026 / 2027 departures from $3,479 CAD 

 

Day 1 - San Jose 

The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your Expedition Leader will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.

Day 2 - San Jose / La Fortuna 

Awake in the Costa Rican capital and take a tour of a G Adventures–supported coffee cooperative. Meet local farmers, observe shade-grown coffee plants, and gain insight into the process of coffee production, from bean to cup. After a typical lunch—accompanied by an aromatic cup of coffee—continue to the town of La Fortuna, situated at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano. This evening, we’ll visit a local home to learn how to make tortillas. Chat with your welcoming hosts and dig into a traditional Costa Rican meal of black beans, plantains, and your own handmade tortillas.

Meals Included:  breakfast | lunch | dinner

Day 3 - La Fortuna 

Spend the day on your own, exploring La Fortuna and its surrounding areas. In 1968, the Arenal Volcano erupted after centuries of laying dormant, converting this quiet agricultural town into a hot spot for adventure travel. Choose to go stand-up paddleboarding on the tranquil waters of Lake Arenal; relax in the shadow of Arenal Volcano at a naturally heated outdoor spa; take a boat tour of Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, one of the world’s most important wetlands; and more.

Meals Included:  breakfast

Day 4 - La Fortuna / Monteverde 

Travel from La Fortuna to the leafy cloud forests of Monteverde—a nature lover’s paradise. This afternoon, choose to discover Monteverde’s breathtaking wilderness on a zip-lining adventure in the birthplace of the canopy tour, gliding high above the treetops or zooming through the misty foliage at exhilarating speed.

Meals Included:  breakfast

Day 5 - Monteverde 

Set out on a hike in the stunning Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, treading past giant ferns and vibrant orchids. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the resplendent quetzal—a sacred bird in Maya and Aztec cultures. Afterward, visit the Monteverde Institute, a research and educational organization supported by National Geographic. Hear from a researcher about some of the institute's conservation initiatives, including a successful reforestation project.

Meals Included: breakfast | lunch

Day 6 - Monteverde / Manuel Antonio

Leaving the cloud forest behind, head to Costa Rica’s sweeping Pacific coast and settle into your hotel in the seaside village of Manuel Antonio. Soak up the laid-back atmosphere of the area, and opt to go surfing, or sailing. You can also spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach.

Meals Included:  breakfast

Day 7 - Manuel Antonio 

Discover the lush tropical forests and white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. Costa Rica’s smallest national park—yet one of the most spectacular—boasts an abundance of wildlife, including monkeys, armadillos, sloths, iguanas, and countless species of birds. Hike through the dense forest, climb up to rocky outcrops for views of the dazzling Pacific Ocean, and go swimming in the park’s lovely lagoons and tidal pools. Opt to take a surfing lesson, go horseback riding, or kayak through the mangroves.

Meals Included:  breakfast

Day 8 - Manuel Antonio / San Jose 

Return to San José. Tonight, choose to join the group for a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.

Meals Included:  breakfast

Day 9 - San Jose 

Depart at any time.

Meals Included:  breakfast

If you are looking to "walk on the wild side", this trip to Costa Rica may be for you!  Reach out to our team to start planning. 

Categories:adventure travel
Terms and Conditions
General Terms & Conditions:
Conditions apply. Valid on travel booked through Uniglobe Travel. All advertised prices include or disclose taxes & fees. Prices and offers are valid for new bookings only. Air only prices are per person for return travel in economy class unless otherwise stated. Package, cruise, tour, rail and hotel prices are per person, based on double occupancy for total length of stay unless otherwise stated, and are applicable for the departure date listed at the advertising deadline. Pricing that includes airfare is valid only for the departure gateway listed. Airport transfers to/from the hotel may not be included and are supplier and destination specific. Some packaged travel products for certain destinations may include flight connections at an additional cost ($). Taxes & fees due during travel or in destination are additional and may include, but not limited to, local car rental charges & taxes, one-way car rental drop fees which are to be paid upon arrival, resort fees & charges, tour ‘kitty’ or local payment, airline baggage fees, departure taxes, and cruise gratuities. Prices are for select departure dates and are accurate and subject to availability at advertising deadline, errors and omissions excepted, and subject to change without notice by the supplier. Advertising deadline: 17 March 2026. For full terms & conditions please speak with a Uniglobe Travel consultant.

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"Highlights of Costa Rica"

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